--- title: "Higher Education" url: "https://www.southchurchschool.com/curriculum/careers-work-experience/higher-education" school: "Southchurch High School" --- # Higher Education ![](https://www.southchurchschool.com/images/word-image-12748-1.png) [**Thinking about a degree?**](https://targetcareers.co.uk/careers-advice/choices-about-uni/242-which-degree-do-you-need-for-which-career) School leavers with a sufficient number of [**UCAS points**](https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/entry-requirements/ucas-tariff-points), e.g., those who have completed their A-levels (or equivalents like NVQ Level 3 or Highers in Scotland) can do degree courses in college and university. Degree courses can be either academic (e.g., philosophy) or vocational (e.g., supply chain) and last 1-4 years. Bachelor degree courses typically take 1-4 years to complete, followed by an optional master’s degree. Students can also take a one-year foundation degree course which is useful to build skills and knowledge before committing to a particular field of study or business. You might be surprised to find that you don’t always need a degree subject connected to the career you want. REMEMBER: most employers will ask for at least five grade 9\*–4 GCSEs including Maths and English (some may ask for Science as well). To explore the UCAS website and search for universities and the course available, please click [here.](http://search.ucas.com/) [**Worried about the cost of university?**](https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/university-tuition-fees/other-financial-support/university-bursaries-and-scholarships/) There’s lots of support out there to help students worried about the cost of university. Click on the picture for more information on tuition fees and bursaries. ![](https://www.southchurchschool.com/images/word-image-12748-2.jpeg) **Take a virtual tour!** Use this resource to have a look around the university campuses without leaving your sofa! There is also information about the Russell Group Universities. Click [here](https://padlet.com/asmith1369/college-conservatoires-university-virtual-campus-tours-sy8c4jrgmmozfhvj) ![Southchurch High School](https://files.schudio.com/southchurch-high-school-2/images/logo/Logo_Footer(1).png) ### Southchurch High School Southchurch Boulevard Southend-on-Sea Essex SS2 4XA 01702 900777 ### Helpful Links: - [Term Dates](https://www.southchurchschool.com/parent/term-dates-2026-27) - [Contact Us](https://www.southchurchschool.com/contact) - [News](https://www.southchurchschool.com/news) - [SEND](https://www.southchurchschool.com/statutory/special-educational-needs-disabilities-send) ### Useful Links: - [Admissions](https://www.southchurchschool.com/statutory/admission-arrangements) - [Attendance](https://www.southchurchschool.com/school-life/attendance) - [Curriculum](https://www.southchurchschool.com/curriculum/curriculum-intent) - [Ofsted Report](https://www.southchurchschool.com/statutory/ofsted-report) - [Safeguarding](https://www.southchurchschool.com/statutory/safeguarding) ### Translation [![Partnership Learning](https://files.schudio.com/southchurch-high-school-2/images/logo/AAAPartnership-Learning_white.png)](https://partnershiplearning.com) © Copyright 2026 Southchurch High School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://www.southchurchschool.com/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)